25th November 2017

Ascot was cold and bright. The M4 is closed at Newbury and the drive there was stressful for more than one of us. I wasn’t disappointed with Polydora, he galloped to the line on ground and wasn’t too far behind some highly regarded novices on ground too quick for him. We are still learning about him and it is apparent he will be favored by slower conditions. If we have a wet New Year I have a race in mind for him on New Years Day at Cheltenham.

Jester Jet ran a super race, she travelled like the winner all the way up the straight only to be collared late on. Any trainer will tell you finishing 2^nd is a little annoying. No one minds being punished by the handicapper for winning but getting a kicking for being 2^nd is rubbing salt into wounds.

Many of the horses had quiet canters this morning having had a busy enough week.

Tomorrow we head to Exeter, another early start is in order as there are horses to be ridden before we leave. Thomas Patrick received an opening mark of 114 for finishing 2^nd in a novice hurdle on his last run. The race fell apart with 5 horses losing their riders at the 1^st hurdle giving him a very soft lead. He has improved from run to run since we’ve taught him he is in fact a racehorse and not a hunter. Tommie will claim 7lbs off him and I hope to the step up in trip plays to his strengths.